Armenia has announced that it will not contribute to the funding of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) in 2023. The decision comes after relations between Armenia and the organization, particularly with Russia, have become strained, particularly after Azerbaijan’s attack in September 2022. Despite Armenia’s calls for condemnation of the attack by the CSTO, the organization has not taken action. As a response, Yerevan rejected the proposal to deploy CSTO observers on the border.
The CSTO consists of six member countries: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Belarus. Armenia’s decision to stop funding CSTO activities reflects tensions between the country and the organization. In 2024, Prime Minister Pashinyan announced that Armenia’s membership in the bloc was de facto frozen and there is a possibility that Armenia may leave the bloc altogether. This move comes as a result of recent events and underscores growing tension between Armenia and its allies in the region.